A World-Changing Christmas Idea - what's yours?

I saw this and it's part of a larger movement called the Advent Conspiracy which makes complete sense. After all, one of the biggest things we learn from the Christmas story is that God so loved the world that he gave his only Son..

Meanwhile, Christmas is about a month away. What are some of the things we can do this Advent (possibly in Hyderabad) which involves giving - not just money but our time and effort?

The Good Writer's Checklist - Oommen Matthew

Notes taken from a class (10.07.04) as dictated by one of the most popular teachers in Christ College, Oommen Matthew. Found this sheet after all these years and it contains 10 rules. I can't remember now, but I don't think this was meant to be part of the Bangalore University syllabus :)

"Style is a mode of expression characteristic of an individual."

1. Does your writing have a point or direction?

2. Do you understand every word you are writing?

3. Have you worked out the organisation?

4. Are you using words for direct communication, not to impress the reader?

5. Have you eliminated repetition?

6. Have you avoided cliches/stereotyped words, phrases and expressions?

7. Have you used big words when small ones will do?

8. Do you have sentence variety?

9. Is there a logical sequence to your work?

10. Are your stylistics correct?

If I'm not wrong, Oommen Matthew retired on Dec 18, 2004 and his last class was with the journalism class. I think the date is etched in my head because I didn't make it to that last class since we had gone to Pune to attend Fest-O-Comm. There's something unforgettable about him still.

My Redeemer Lives

I need to argue my case with God Himself.

I wish for summons for a day in court.

Yet even if I speak, my pain will not reduce,

nor would keeping silent soothe it away.

For if God is my judge, then there must be Another,

a Witness in heaven, with the skill of an Advocate.

For there is a chasm I cannot cross over,

without an Arbitrator,

to say what I fear most,

I need a Mediator.

As my tears speak what I cannot say,

my Friend and Intercessor pleads my case for me.

I know that my Redeemer lives,

and one day He will stand upon the earth.

Even if my body is destroyed, one day,

I know I will see God.